Saint Paul to Participate in Two Coveted International Climate Forums in Europe

SAINT PAUL – In June, Chief Resilience Officer Russ Stark and Climate Action Coordinator Liz Boyer will join a group of city sustainability leaders, urban planners, and public officials to participate in two international climate forums in Europe. These highly selective invitations recognize cities that have already made bold progress toward climate resilience. 

"Saint Paul's inclusion is recognition of the meaningful steps we've already taken and our ambition to do much more," said Mayor Carter. “We’re proud to join cities from around the world to learn, share, and lead on climate action to ensure we can give our future generations a livable planet.” 

Stark and Boyer will travel with the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA) to Glasgow, Scotland, a city that has declared a climate and ecological emergency and committed to carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045. As observers, they will gain direct access to global best practices and collaborate with peers on proven strategies that can inform local climate solutions. 

Following the Glasgow forum, Stark will join a delegation led by Global Philanthropy Partnership in Paris, France, to explore innovations in biking and transit infrastructure and sustainable urban planning. This exchange will provide actionable policy insights and tools to help envision Saint Paul as a model for low-carbon, equitable urban development in Minnesota and the Midwest. 

"By engaging directly with cities that have made significant progress in emissions reductions and climate resilience, Saint Paul can accelerate its own roadmap to carbon neutrality," said Chief Resilience Officer Stark. "We are honored to be part of these global conversations—and excited to apply what we learn to benefit our residents here at home." 

Saint Paul adopted its Climate Action and Resilience Plan in 2019, committing to carbon neutrality in city operations by 2030 and citywide by 2050. In March 2025, the city hosted a forum to celebrate progress, while also engaging residents to update the plan and strengthening community resilience. 

ABOUT CNCA 

CNCA is an alliance of leading global cities working collaboratively to achieve carbon neutrality well ahead of international targets while demonstrating innovative solutions and policy approaches to inspire other cities to reach carbon neutrality as quickly as possible. 

ABOUT GLOBAL PHILANTHROPY PARTNERSHIP 
Global Philanthropy Partnership connects local and global communities to promote international giving, raise awareness of global development issues, and share solutions that strengthen sustainability. 

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